Expert help please. I examined a S&W model 1917 commercial model today SN 179570 (parallel to grips, with lanyard present), small S&W logo on left side plate; cylinder, butt, and barrel SN matching, 55198 on crane and frame with an eagle head military acceptance proof next to the number on the frame. Original blue was 95% with checkered wooden grips of the correct post war type. Any insight appreciated; seller wanted 1200 beans and I am thinking of getting it.
S&W Commercial 1917 transition pistol
- Thread starter Arisaka99
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afkirby
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I just paid $1200 for a commercial model SN: 180153. It shipped in February 1929. I figured it was a fair price considering what Army guns are going for, and the relative availability of commercial guns.
Well, if you came to this Forum looking for folks to discourage you from buying a S&W you came to the wrong place. As described I'd say that is a good price. You can always negotiate a little but if you're looking for one you're probably not going to find a nice one for much less. Good luck and pictures when you get it please.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Jeff
SWCA #1457
S&W 1917, 5 ½", .45 ACP, blue, # 180692, shipped in January 1936. It must have been waaay back in the vault!
SN 179014 shipped in August of 1927. No rhyme nor reason apparently to shipping dates, they were just glad to get rid of them by then.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Ivan the Butcher
Member
StrawHat
Member
It sounds like a typical commercial model 1917. S&W used whatever parts were available to complete the revolvers they were building at the time. When WW I ended the Gov't required S&W (and Colt) to buy back unused parts for the contracted revolvers. This gave S&W a surplus of parts from which to build salable revolvers. The various acceptance stamps (not a proof mark) meant nothing to S&W nor to the general public. 55198 is an assembly number used to track a set of parts throughout production. It means little now.
Serial numbers shipped when they went out the door. No rhyme nor reason to it. I have close numbers that shipped days apart and close numbers that shipped years apart. I am not even sure the revolvers were assembled in consecutive order.
In my area, that revolver, at that price, would sit quite a while in the case.
Kevin
If it is 95%, that's an excellent price.
handejector
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179170 is NOT a transition gun in any sense of the word.
It will be a Pre War gun and it shipped with PRE War grips- either non-medallion checkered or checkered service grips with 1/2" silver medallions depending on when it shipped.
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